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2012 toyota prius-v Model Overview

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The Toyota Prius is about to become a family of four and its growth starts with the 2012 Toyota Prius v. The “v” stands for versatility. As the name suggests, the Prius v will be the largest Prius ever offered, giving owners more cargo room to haul around their stuff. The Prius v will likely appear to customers who have outgrown the standard Prius but aren’t quite ready for the cargo or passenger capacity the more expensive seven-seat Highlander Hybrid offers. Total cargo capacity behind the Prius v’s rear seats (moved all the way forward) is 40.2 cubic feet, almost double the 21.6 cubic feet in the standard Prius.

The five-seat Prius v shares the same Toyota Hybrid Synery Drive powertrain as the standard Prius, which means a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor for a net horsepower rating of 134. The battery pack is 1.3-kilowatt-hour, nickel-metal-hydride unit charged by regenerative braking. At 3374-lbs, the Prius v is about 300 pounds more than the standard Prius, so unsurprisingly fuel economy drops to 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg in the highway (opposed to 51/48 for the Prius).

Customers will have their choice among three trim levels: Prius v Two, Prius v Three, and Prius v Five. Automatic climate control, smart key, and Bluetooth are standard, and optional packages offer features like Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system.

Body style: Four-door hatchback

Engines: 1.8L I-4

Transmissions: Continuously variable transmission

Models: Prius v Two, Prius v Three, Prius v Five

The 2012 Toyota Prius v is an all-new member of the Prius family, it’s the largest and second member of the group. The Prius v is based on the standard third-generation Prius and shares the same Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, with its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine supplemented by an electric motor. The front wheels are driven by a continuously variable transmission. It offers almost double the cargo space of the standard Prius and should appeal to customers who don’t quite need the larger and more expensive Highlander Hybrid crossover.

The 2012 Prius v shares many styling traits of the standard Prius, including its front fascia that features a sharply angled grille and headlights. The overall profile resembles that of a wagon, though a small and pointed rear quarter window adds a unique styling element not found on most wagons. Out back, the rear hatch door opens upward for easy access to the cargo area. A standard rear spoiler also includes an LED stop lamp. The Prius v Two and Three are fitted with 16-inch wheels, while the range-topping Five model gets 17s.

The Prius v may not offer more in terms of passenger capacity over the standard model, but its biggest appeal will no doubt be its larger cargo capacity. With the rear seats moved to their forward-most positions, the v boasts 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to just 21.6 cubic feet in the standard Prius. Standard creature comforts include automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and smart key. Optional features include navigation, power front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Prius v has a curb weight of 3374 pounds, which is about 300 more than the standard model. Both Prius models share the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system, with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gas engine supplemented by an electric motor; net horsepower is 134 and power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Not surprisingly, its added weight reduces fuel economy to 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg in the highway (51/48 in the standard model). Its 0-60 mph time is 10.2 seconds. Despite its large size, the Prius v stays relatively flat thanks to Pitch and Bounce Control, which uses the electric motor’s torque output to actively alter weight transfer depending on road conditions.

Seven airbags are standard on the Prius v, as well as whiplash-preventing seats, front and rear crumple zones, a tire pressure monitoring system, and side-impact beams. The Prius v also features Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Traction Control (TRAC), Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). The Prius v Five model adds a Pre-Collision System and an Advanced Parking Guidance System, which assist with parallel parking.

2012 Toyota Prius v Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$26,550

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$17,175

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#13V014000 - SEATS

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Units Affected

3235

Recall ID#13E070000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Consequence

The reversed tail lamp function reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Genera Corporation (Genera) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement tail lights, model 11-6468-00 (driver-side), and model 11-6467-00 (passenger-side), sold for use on 2012-2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. The brake light and tail light circuits are switched causing the brake lights to be illuminated continuously until the brake pedal is pressed, when the brake lights will go out.

Remedy

Genera will notify owners and provide replacement aftermarket tail lamps, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888. This recall is being conducted by Genera Corporation, not by Toyota Motor Corporation.

Units Affected

409

Recall ID#13V014000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Units Affected

3235

Recall ID#15V449000 - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

2012 Toyota Prius v News and Reviews

The funny thing about this comparison is that Toyota didn't want us to do it. They reluctantly agreed to give us a Prius V to pit against the new Ford C-Max Hybrid, but they also insisted on handing over a regular-flavor Prius, too. It's sad for Toyota, but they can't control what I write. (Example: The Prius is one of…